Getting your child off to a good start is every parent's wish and intention. A good start incorporates their health, including their eye health. A big part of your child's eye health is ensuring they have an eye exam as early as possible. According to experts, children should have their first eye exam when they are six months old. Other exams must follow as your child develops their visual faculties.

Getting your child a vision test early is important because the eye doctor can identify problems early. Eye problems and conditions for adults and children alike do not show symptoms until they advance significantly. Because of this, eye exams are a critical part of eye health for children and adults. 

So, when should your child have a vision test? Read on to learn more.

Six Months
 

Again, your child should have an eye exam when they are six months old. A pediatrician, however, performs this exam. The exam focus is the development of vision and the function of the eyes. Because the child's eyes are still developing, they cannot see that much, and the tests are limited. 

Pediatric eye exams at this age usually focus on developmental abnormalities. These will usually affect the pupil's light reflex and the external structures of the eye. These exams are especially important when part of the family has crossed eyes or amblyopia. It’s more crucial if you suspect your child has a vision issue.

One Year

Pediatric eye doctors recommend that a child should see a specialized eye doctor by the time they turn one. Depending on the outcome of their first eye exam with a pediatrician, the eye doctor will run a comprehensive eye exam. At this age, your child's visual ability has significantly developed. It allows the eye doctor to run more comprehensive exams. 

Two to Five Years

After the eye exam at one year old, the eye doctor will have a clearer picture of your child's visual health. They will recommend repeating eye exams as your child grows older. Many children will often need an exam for around two years before joining preschool.

According to experts, children learn about 80 percent of everything they do through vision. If your child has visual issues, they will be severely left out. Vision is essential for all their learning experiences and socialization. 

The period between two and five is critical in growing their social abilities. 
During this period, they need their visual abilities to grow other skills like coordination. It is at this time that other visual issues and conditions begin to develop. 

Vision Screening vs. Eye Exam

At the beginning of the school year, the state runs vision screenings in schools. They are mandatory for all children. Vision screenings usually screen for specific visual issues and may often miss fewer common ones. For this reason, experts recommend a comprehensive eye exam before your child goes to school.

What Are the Benefits of a Vision Test?

As mentioned earlier, our eyes only show symptoms of conditions in the advanced stages. Vision tests are the most effective way to ensure eye conditions are resolved early. Another reason why it matters is to ensure that if you have a family history of eye issues, you can help your child manage it better. Conditions like the progression of myopia can be slowed down when detected early.

For more about the age, a child should have a vision test, visit Van Alstyne Eye Care at our office in Van Alstyne, Texas. Call (903) 482-0090 to book an appointment today.